Summary

The article emphasizes the importance of utilizing various story layouts to enhance the appeal and growth of Medium publications.

Abstract

The article "New Publication Editors: Are You Taking Advantage of Different Story Layouts?" encourages editors of small Medium publications to explore and manipulate the six different layout options available for organizing stories. The author, an editor of three publications, shares personal experiences and insights on how strategic use of layouts can increase visibility for specific stories and writers, potentially boosting subscriber numbers. The article provides examples of successful layout strategies, such as featuring stories and writers, and suggests that even self-publishing writers can benefit from these tactics. It also highlights the value of experimenting with layouts without fear, as it can lead to a more attractive front page, which in turn can lead to increased readership and earnings. The author invites readers to engage with a survey to determine the most appealing layouts to readers and offers assistance to new Medium members on how to start earning money through the platform.

Opinions

The author believes that the strategic use of different story layouts is a valuable tool for publication growth and reader engagement.
They advocate for experimentation with various layouts, emphasizing that all available options have potential benefits if utilized effectively.
The author suggests that showcasing select stories and writers using the "Featured" status can draw attention to both new and older content.
They express confidence that many new publication editors underutilize the available publication options, potentially missing out on increased visibility and success.
The author asserts that a well-arranged front page can significantly impact how stories are perceived and their likelihood of being read and monetized.
They encourage publication owners to take advantage of the tips provided in the article, suggesting that even minor adjustments can lead to a noticeable increase in subscribers.
The author emphasizes the importance of creativity in publication layout, aiming to make the front page more enticing to readers.
They reveal a personal history of initial frustration with publication setup, which later turned into a successful strategy after persisting with the platform.
The author promotes their referral link for Medium membership, offering help to new members to start earning money, indicating a belief in the platform's monetization potential for writers and editors.

New Publication Editors: Are You Taking Advantage of Different Story Layouts?

Start manipulating and re-organizing your small publication and watch your subscribers grow!

If you have a small Medium publication with a growing number of stories, you need to read this information all the way through. It can benefit you and the writers whose stories you publish.

Even if you only publish your own stories, this information is of value, because you’re probably missing out on some cool ways to help your publication grow and gain more subscribers.

Let’s consider exactly what I mean…

My personal experience with changing my publication layout

I’m a publication editor for three different publications, although up until now, I mostly only published and showcased my own stories.

Currently, my 575 diverse story titles can be found published in one of my: Daily Justiss, Just Like New, or Black Like Me publications.

In 2022, these publications will be accepting other writers and stories on a limited and scheduled basis. You can read all about what my plans are for my publication features in: 6 Publication Features I’m Using to Help Promote YOUR Stories

I discovered a hell of a lot, thanks to running my own Daily Justiss publication and publishing stories every single day since I first launched it. You can find everything I’ve learned in this list of 15 of my stories, strictly about Medium publications: TIPS ABOUT PUBLICATIONS

Why learn to manipulate and re-organize stories and new layouts?

The six different layout options that Medium publications get to use are truly some valuable tools. Don’t take them for granted. Instead, take a little time to figure out the best way to use them, and when. All of them can be useful to you if you bother to check them out.

After trying out all the various story layouts that a publication has at its’ disposal, I’m extremely familiar with changing and moving things around. Of course, I have my favorite ones that I use more than others, but I’m committed to giving them all a try, eventually.

What about you? Do you use the various layouts, or do you stick to the one you’re most familiar or comfortable with? If you’re afraid to experiment, don’t be. This is definitely worth looking into.

Believe me, you, your publication, and the writers you publish, all can benefit!

It’s all about how you tag the stories and utilize the different options, including how many stories you designate to a particular layout style.

For instance, using the “Featured” status to designate stories and writers you want to highlight is a good way to bring attention to new AND older stories. You can even provide a mini showcase to a different writer every week.

Notice this example from my Just Like New publication, featuring several stories from Ed-iT, when he answered the call for submissions.

This particular story layout puts the writer and his stories in a better position to be noticed, and read. You don’t have to just stick to the standard, default layout. Be creative instead, and even join several styles together.

I have NO DOUBT that many editors of new and smaller publications don’t even bother with trying to figure out some of the publication options.

After one or two attempts at sorting things out during the initial setup, they probably just gave up, and let the stories pretty much land wherever they happen to fall when they’re published — like under the “latest” stories option.

Does that sound familiar?

That’s what happened to me when I first began setting up my publications. This issue actually added to the other frustrations I was already having about being a publication editor. I eventually threw in the towel until recently.

Are you one of those new publication editors who doesn’t bother with your publication’s layout. Trust me, this is a BIG mistake!

The way you finesse your front page, and make it more attractive, can have an impact on how your stories are viewed, and ultimately on how much they get read and earn you money.

Now that I put the question on your mind, maybe you’ll start thinking about different ways to arrange your stories, so:

The stories you specifically want to feature are highly visible
More of the available quantity of stories published are actually viewable
Specific stories in themed categories are grouped better and visible
More story titles are displayed, and not just dominated by images
More publication features can be created and highlighted

Final Thoughts

I encourage publication owners to look over this story again, and don’t fail to take advantage of how valuable these tips can be to your publication.

Just a few tweaks here and there may end up meaning the difference in how much your number of publication subscribers increases over time.

My subscribers to the Daily Justiss publication suddenly grew as a result of the tips I just discussed. I’m currently at 121 and counting, and that’s with me being the only writer thus far. That’s really not to bad when you think about it.

Keep these related points in mind:

If you have a story already doing well, wherever you have it positioned, don’t fix what’s not broken. We know how fickle algorithms can be, so only focus on changing what’s not working.
Your publication is your baby, so handle it the way you see best. Don’t be afraid to play around with different looks, and determine what works best.
Remember, nothing is set in stone. If you try a layout that doesn’t do the trick, you can always change things back, or try something else.

The last thing I want to suggest, is that you get creative, and think of other ways to make the front page of your publication appealing. An attractive layout will entice readers to come and spend lots of time cruising the page.

As for what layout is the best one to use; I have my views, but I’m honestly not even sure. That’s why I published a survey story, in hopes of getting the answer to this question directly from readers, so stay tuned for the results.

Not a Medium Member yet? Join now with my referral link. I’ll earn a few bucks when you do, https://justissgoode.medium.com/membership plus I can HELP YOU START EARNING MONEY TOO! 😄